Moving away from home is a big step — and we're here to support you in finding a place to live while you study at Emil Dale Academy in Letchworth Garden City.

We offer an introductory accommodation service — we help match students with local hosts, landlords, or university halls, but please note: it is your responsibility to secure your final housing agreement directly with the host family, landlord, or university.

That said, we've never had a student go without housing, and we'll do everything we can to guide and support you.

Types of Accommodation

1. Host Families

Mainly for Sixth Form Students

• Local families rent out a room in their home — many have worked with us for years.
• All hosts are DBS checked through EDA.
• A supportive, homely environment for younger students or those under 18.
• Weekly rent: £90–£150
• Hosts may be based in Letchworth, Hitchin, Stevenage, Baldock, Stotfold, Biggleswade, and other nearby towns.
• Travel to Emil Dale is essential to plan for.

2. Shared Houses / Flat Shares

Typically for Degree & CertHE Students

• Shared student houses, rented through private landlords.
• Weekly rent: £100–£150
• Utilities: budget around £50–£70 per month
• Most students arrange housing in August or September — no need to panic if things aren't sorted straight away.

3. University Halls of Residence

For Degree & CertHE Students

• We can connect you to student halls at the University of Bedfordshire in Hatfield.

How It Works

• We act as an introductory agency
• We build and maintain a list of trusted local landlords and DBS-checked host families, and we update this list throughout the year.
• In July, all new students are invited to an Induction Day at Emil Dale. You'll meet your year group and explore the local area, including where you might want to live.
• You are responsible for contacting and securing accommodation, but we're here to help every step of the way.
• We've never had a student left without housing — we're proud of that track record.

EDA Accommodation Facebook Group

We also run a private Facebook group for Emil Dale students, where:

• Students can connect with each other
• Hosts and landlords post available rooms
• You can form house groups and get advice
• The group is updated regularly, and it's a great way to find your future flatmates.

Housing Benefit

Some Sixth Form students may be eligible for Housing Benefit through Hertfordshire Council.

Eligibility:

• Under 19 at the start of your course
• Enrolled in a Further Education programme
• Living in private accommodation (not owned or affiliated with EDA)

Visit the council website for more details.

Please note: Emil Dale is not responsible for any Housing Benefit decisions or changes to government policy.

Important Notes

• Students must be prepared to travel — many hosts and student houses are in surrounding towns.
• Travel costs and time should be factored into your planning.
• If you're under 18, landlords generally won't rent properties to you — in this case, a host family is the best route.
• If you already have private accommodation arranged, please let us know so we can support accordingly.

Are You a Host or Landlord?

We're always looking for new hosts and landlords to join our network!

If you:

• Have a room to rent
• Own a property suitable for student tenants
• Want to support young performers and creatives

Please email: accommodation@emildale.co.uk